Ingredients
Scale
- For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 12 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream, plus more for serving
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh lime wedges
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
- Mix in the black beans and diced green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about ½ cup) at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of quartered corn tortillas over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly.
- Drizzle with ¾ cup of enchilada sauce and sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, another ¾ cup of enchilada sauce, and 1 ½ cups of cheese.
- Top with a final layer of tortillas, spread the remaining enchilada sauce over them, and finish with the last of the cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
- To make crispy tortilla strips, slice additional corn tortillas into thin strips.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla strips in batches until crispy, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.
- Spoon dollops of sour cream over the casserole, sprinkle with crushed tortilla strips, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Add optional toppings like sliced avocado, fresh lime wedges, or jalapeño slices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 980mg
- Protein: 28g